Conventional mammography compresses the entire breast to show one 2D image of overlapping tissue that can mask or mimic abnormalities such as cancer. Breast tomosynthesis takes multiple 2D images of the breast and reconstructs them to create a 3D image, allowing breast radiologists to see detailed structures through layers of tissue.

"One of the major reasons women get called back from a screening exam is breast tissue that looks suspicious but turns out to be normal," says Mass General breast radiologist Phoebe Freer, MD who reads images from mammograms performed in Revere.

"With breast tomosynthesis, we can see through questionable tissue and prevent many women from having to deal with the anxiety of being called back for additional imaging," she says. It also allows breast radiologists to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of any abnormalities to find breast cancer early when it is most treatable.

Breast tomosynthesis is available at MGH Revere HealthCare Center on weekdays, Tuesday evenings, and Saturday mornings. It is performed in conjunction with conventional mammography using the same compression for the same duration of time with no noticeable difference to the patient. To make an appointment, complete an online form or call 617-724-XRAY (9729).